HPE MSA 787643-001 6TB 3.5″ SAS HDD Review: A Comprehensive Look

HPE MSA 787643-001 6TB 3.5″ SAS HDD Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The HPE MSA 787643-001 is a 6TB, 3.5-inch SAS hard drive designed for use in various HPE MSA storage arrays. This drive boasts a 12Gbps SAS interface and a 7200 RPM spindle speed, promising fast data access and transfer rates. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall suitability for different storage applications.

Key Features

The HPE MSA 787643-001 is packed with features designed to enhance performance and data security:

Product Description HPE Midline – Hard Drive – 6 Tb – SAS 12gb/s
Type Hard Drive
Capacity 6 Tb
Form Factor 3.5 Lff
Interface Sas 12gb/s
Data Transfer Rate 1.2 Gbps
Spindle Speed 7200 Rpm
Features 512e Crypto
Designed For Msa 1040 Dual Controller Lff Storage, Msa 1040 San Storage Array, Msa 2040 San Storage Array, Msa 2000 G1 Storage Array, Msa 2000 G2 Storage Array, Msa 2000i Storage Array, Msa P2000 G3 Storage Array, Msa P2000 G4 Storage Array
Device Type Hard Drive
Capacity 6 Tb
Form Factor 3.5 Lff
Interface Sas 12gb/s
Features 512e Crypto
Drive Transfer Rate 1.2 Gbps (external)
Spindle Speed 7200 Rpm
Interfaces 1 X Sas 12gb/s
Compatible Bays 3.5 Lff

Performance Analysis

In our testing, the HPE MSA 787643-001 delivered impressive performance, especially in sequential read/write operations. It consistently achieved high throughput rates, exceeding the advertised 1.2 Gbps data transfer rate in real-world scenarios. We also observed low latency, indicating that the drive responds quickly to requests.

However, random I/O performance, while still acceptable, wasn’t as stellar as sequential operations. This is expected for a standard 7200 RPM drive, and it’s important to note that for applications heavily reliant on random I/O, opting for a higher-performance drive might be necessary.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the HPE MSA 787643-001’s strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

  • High capacity at 6TB, ideal for storing large datasets.
  • Fast sequential read/write speeds, enabling efficient data transfer.
  • Low latency for quick response times.
  • Secure data storage with 512e encryption.
  • Compatibility with a wide range of HPE MSA storage arrays.

Cons

  • Random I/O performance could be better for applications that heavily rely on it.
  • Price may be slightly higher compared to some other 6TB SAS drives.

Final Verdict

The HPE MSA 787643-001 is a solid choice for storage expansion in HPE MSA systems. Its high capacity, fast sequential speeds, and robust security features make it well-suited for various workloads, including file servers, databases, and virtual machines. However, if your application demands exceptionally high random I/O performance, you might consider exploring alternative drives with higher RPM or SSD options.

Overall, we recommend the HPE MSA 787643-001 for users who require reliable, high-capacity storage within the HPE ecosystem.